For years I confidently wrote letters, reports, proposals, technical articles, and manuals. After I retired from the corporate world, I started my travel writer’s journey. I plodded along sending queries and stories, all created in Microsoft Word. I was sure my work was above par when it came to spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Then one […]
“Attached, please find the itinerary for your upcoming six-day visit to Cornwall.” My heart skipped a beat, maybe two. I had been successful in securing a six-day, 100% comped tour of Cornwall, England. While in England, I went gliding, canoeing, cycling, rode a steam train, visited museums, castles, breweries, and wineries. I took an all-day […]
I wasn’t a real travel writer, I never went anywhere. Writing about home felt like a compromise, a concession made because I lacked the money to fly to Venice, explore the Balkans, or cruise Cuba. Without bylines, press trips weren’t on offer. My travel budget was $0. Experts advised, “go local.” So, real travel writer […]
Not every photo you snap has to be a winner. Some images aren’t meant to be sold at all. Instead, their job is saving time and money. Travel writers are information collectors. We illuminate our stories with photos we take of attractions, accommodations, food, and drink. But we also need to collect brochures, guides, maps, […]
“If they knew my age, they would reject my stories.” “I’m too old to be starting out as a travel writer.” “Will I be able to travel with my arthritis?” “No one cares what a great-grandmother has to say.” These age-discriminating thoughts and many more almost kept me from becoming a travel writer. I was […]
Suddenly, I was surrounded by horses. Curious horses. They were interested in my camera, tripod, and me. After they satisfied their curiosity, I got the chance for close-ups of the small herd with the Pacific Ocean in the background. It was May and a glorious spring day. I was standing at the top of a […]
When the hook clicks open, and the pilot catches the updraft, the cockpit goes silent. An ethereal mood takes over as the aircraft ceases its strain against the winch rope. You are floating on air. Thermals carry you up, currents take you forward. The vista is glorious. It’s intoxicating. That is the opener for my […]
Travel writers don’t have a precise profile or job description. They come in all shapes, sizes, and economic circumstances. They don’t spend all day in one workplace—instead, they make their own schedules and determine their personal rate of pay. I’m a single, 68-year-old great-grandmother. Social Security is my only income. Here’s how I customized travel […]
The cursor flashes judgmentally on the blank page. I stare at the ceiling and gaze out the window. My hands hover over the keyboard. Nothing happens. I can’t type a word. I use my best stall tactics. Another cup of tea… an email check every 15 minutes… a catch-up on social media… phone calls… laundry… […]
“I can give you ink, space for 300 words, a byline, and no money,” they told me. “OK,” I murmured, certain the editor of my small-town, entertainment tabloid could hear the disbelief in my voice. It was my first travel writing assignment. Before this, two friends had suggested that I submit a story to Travel […]
